Multi-function weight training apparatus

ABSTRACT

A multi-function weight training apparatus including a support base, a linear motion beam, a resistance adjusting carriage, a main carriage, a weight carriage and a cable. The linear motion beam is rotatably mounted to the base. The resistance adjusting carriage is mounted to the linear motion beam, wherein the resistance adjusting carriage is selectively positionable on the linear motion beam. The main carriage is mounted to the linear motion beam. The weight carriage is mounted with respect to the support base. The cable operably connects the weight carriage to the main carriage while an intermediate portion of the cable engages the resistance adjusting carriage. Moving the main carriage with respect to the linear motion beam causes the weight carriage to move with respect to the support base.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/104,539, filed Mar. 22, 2002, pending and scheduled to issue as U.S.Pat. No. 7,331,908, and also claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/278,559, filed Mar. 23, 2001, the entireties ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of thepresent disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a weight training apparatus.More particularly, the present invention relates to a multi-functionweight training apparatus that is adapted for use with a variety ofweight training exercises.

2. Background of the Invention

The general concept of using an apparatus to facilitate weight trainingsuch as disclosed in Mazman, U.S. Pat. No. 3,905,599, and Yatso, U.S.Pat. No. 3,912,263, has been known for a significant amount of time.These types of devices enhance the ability to perform the weighttraining exercises but also increase the safety of performing the weighttraining exercises.

Fuhrhop, U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,782, discloses an adjustable exercisedevice that permits the configuration of different components to bechanged to facilitate performing different exercises. The Fuhrhop deviceincludes a series of holes along the posts that permit attachment atdifferent locations on the posts. Similarly, Sterba et al., U.S. Pat.No. 4,700,944, and Rasmussen, U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,369, each disclose aweight training system in which components are connected in differentpositions to facilitate performing different exercises.

Yakata, U.S. Pat. No. 4,763,897, discloses an exercise device thatincludes a support platform and a pivot lever. The pivot lever isslidable with respect to the support platform. It is also possible toadjust the initial angular orientation of the pivot lever and a distancebetween the support platform and an end of the pivot lever opposite thesupport platform. Rotation of the pivot lever causes a weight stack tobe lifted.

Webber, U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,321, describes an exercise apparatus apivotally mounted linkage mechanism. Pivoting of the linkage mechanismwith respect to a support frame adjusts a height of linkage mechanism tofacilitate performing a variety of exercises with the exerciseapparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multi-function weight trainingapparatus. The multi-function weight training apparatus includes asupport base and a linear motion beam. The linear motion beam isrotatably mounted to the support base to change the angular orientationand the direction of forces that can be exerted on the multi-functionweight training apparatus for performing a variety of weight trainingexercises with the multi-function weight training apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a multi-function weight training apparatus ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 is a back view of the multi-function weight training apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a base portion of the multi-function weighttraining apparatus.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a weight carriage of the multi-functionweight training apparatus.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a worm gear drive of the multi-functionweight training apparatus.

FIG. 6 a is an illustration of a resistance adjusting carriage of themulti-function weight training apparatus. FIG. 6 b is a side view of apulley of the resistance adjusting carriage of FIG. 6 a.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of linear motion beam of the multi-functionweight training apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a counter weight of the linear motion beam.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the linear motion beam.

FIG. 10 is a back view of the linear motion beam attached to a base.

FIG. 11 is a side view illustration of a cable path in themulti-function weight training apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a close-up illustrating attachment of a post to the maincarriage.

FIG. 13 is a close-up view illustrating attachment of a lever arm to themain carriage.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of adjusting the position of the lever armwith respect to the linear motion beam.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of attachment of a protractor to the linearmotion beam.

FIG. 16 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of themulti-function weight training apparatus for push-type exercises.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the multi-function weight training apparatusfor push-type exercises.

FIG. 18 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of themulti-function weight training apparatus for pull-type exercises.

FIG. 19 is a top view of the multi-function weight training apparatusfor pull-type exercises.

FIG. 20 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of themulti-function weight training apparatus for lever arm exercises.

FIG. 21 is a top view of the multi-function weight training apparatusfor lever arm exercises.

FIG. 22 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of themulti-function weight training apparatus for exercises that use handlesor other attachments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A multi-function weight training apparatus according to the presentinvention is most clearly illustrated at 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2. Themulti-function weight training apparatus 10 generally includes a supportbase 20 and a linear motion beam 22 that is rotatably mounted withrespect to the support base 20.

Rotating the linear motion beam 22 with respect to the support base 20permits a variety of weight training exercises to be performed with themulti-function weight training apparatus 10. The multi-function weighttraining apparatus 10 thereby reduces the number of weight trainingapparatuses that must be purchased to perform a large variety of weighttraining exercises.

The support base 20 generally includes a bottom section 30 and a mainpost 32 that extends from the bottom section 30. The bottom section 30stabilizes the multi-function weight training apparatus 10 such that themulti-function weight training apparatus 10 maintains a desiredorientation on a ground surface during use. The bottom section 30generally includes a central member 34 and a pair of end members 36 thatare mounted at opposite ends of the central member 34, as illustrated inFIG. 3.

The end members 36 are preferably oriented at an angle with respect tothe central member 34 so that a distance between front ends 38 of theend members 36 on a front side 40 of the multi-function exercise device10 is greater than a distance between back ends 42 of the end members 36on a back side 44 of the multi-function exercise device 10. An angle abetween the central member 34 and each of the end members 36 is greaterthan about 90 degrees, preferably between about 110 and 130 degrees andmost preferably about 120 degrees.

Attaching the end members 36 to the central member 34 in thisconfiguration enhances the stability of the multi-function exercisedevice 10 while minimizing the potential for the end members 36interfering with a person who is using the multi-function exercisedevice 10.

The main post 32 extends in a substantially vertical direction from thecentral member 34, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The linear motionbeam 22 is attached to the vertical section 32 opposite the centralmember 34. To stabilize the vertical section 32, the multi-functionexercise device 10 preferably includes a pair of outriggers 50. Each ofthe outriggers 50 includes a vertical portion 52 and a horizontalportion 54. The vertical portions 52 are attached to the central member34 proximate the end members 36. The horizontal portions 54 are attachedto the vertical portion 52 and the main post 32. In addition tostabilizing the multi-function exercise device 10, the vertical portions52 are also adapted to receive weight holders 56 for storing weightplates 58 when the weight plates are not in use.

A weight carriage 60 is slidably mounted to a weight support post 62that extends in a substantially vertical direction form the bottomsection 30, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The weight support post 62 ispreferably oriented substantially parallel to the main post 32. Mountingof the weight carriage 60 to the weight support post 62 is preferablyaccomplished with a pair of shafts 64. Each of the shafts 64 preferablyhas a diameter of approximately 1 inch. The weight carriage 60 has atleast one post 56 that is adapted to receive weight plates 58. A personof ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that it is possible to usethe concepts of the present invention with alternative types of weightcarriage as well as weights where the resistance is generating bybending objects, such as is used in the BOWFLEX exercise device, bystretching objects such as bungee cords, hydraulic fluids or compressedgases.

The weight carriage 60 preferably includes two rollers 66 and mostpreferably four rollers 66 rotatably mounted thereto, as illustrated inFIG. 4. The rollers 66 preferably have a concaved outer surface 68 thatat least partially conforms to the shafts 64. When four rollers 66 areused, there are two upper rollers 66 and two lower rollers 66.

The linear motion beam 22 provides the ability to place the resistanceanywhere along the linear motion beam 22 and provides the ability to usethe resistance in a push or pull motion. The linear motion beam 22preferably has a length of less than about 10 feet and more preferablyapproximately 5 feet.

Rotation of the linear motion beam 22 is preferably controlled by a wormgear drive 70 that is attached to the linear motion beam 22, asillustrated in FIG. 5. The worm gear drive 70 includes a plurality ofteeth 72 around an outer surface thereof. A hand crank wheel 74 isrotatably mounted to the main post 32 so that a screw 76 on the handcrank wheel 74 engages the teeth 72. Rotation of the hand crank wheel 74thereby causes the linear motion beam 22 to rotate with respect to themain post 32.

Rotation of the linear motion beam 22 can also be controlled by apop-pin mechanism where the worm gear drive 70 has a series of apertures(not shown) formed therein and a pin (not shown) is provided on the mainpost 32 to seat in the apertures.

A cover 77 is preferably placed over a significant portion of the wormgear drive 70, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The cover 77 protects thecomponents of the gear drive 70 and enhances the aesthetic appearance ofthe multi-function exercise device 10.

The linear motion beam 22 has a main section 80 along which a maincarriage 82 is slidable, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The linear motionbeam 22 also has a resistance adjusting carriage 84 that is slidablymounted to a secondary post 86 that is mounted substantially parallel tothe main section 80.

While the main section 80 and the secondary post 86 are both illustratedas having a substantially square profile, a person of ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate that other configurations may be used with theconcepts of the present invention such as an I-beam shape or cylindricalshafts.

The resistance adjusting carriage 84 has a pair of pulleys 88 that arerotatably mounted thereto, as illustrated in FIG. 6 a. The pulleys 88each have a channel 90 formed in an outer surface thereof. The channels90 are adapted to at least partially receive a cable 92.

Depending upon the location of the rotational axis on the linear motionbeam 22, the linear motion beam 22 may be a counter weight (not shown)mounted therein so that the linear motion beam 22 is balanced about itsrotational axis. While it is possible to configure the linear motionbeam 22 with the rotational axis proximate one end of the linear motionbeam 22, this configuration would preclude having the linear motion beam22 balanced about its rotational axis.

The resistance adjusting carriage 84 preferably has a substantiallysquare profile that extends around the secondary post 86. The resistanceadjusting carriage 84 has a pin 94 removably attached thereto. The pin94 is adapted to seat in apertures 96 along the secondary post 86.Engaging the pin 94 in one of the aperture 96 thereby retains theresistance adjusting carriage 84 in a desired fixed position withrespect to the secondary post 86.

The resistance adjusting carriage 84 may also include at least onecylindrical roller 98 rotatably mounted therein, as illustrated in FIGS.6 a and 6 b. Preferably, the resistance adjusting carriage 84 includesone of the cylindrical roller 98 along each side thereof proximate eachend of the resistance adjusting carriage 84. The cylindrical rollers 98are preferably fabricated from a low friction material such TEFLON. Asthe resistance adjusting carriage 84 is moved with respect to thesecondary post 86, the cylindrical roller 98 rolls along the secondarypost 86 to thereby provide a smooth motion.

To facilitate moving the resistance adjusting carriage 84 with respectto the secondary shaft 86, the resistance adjusting carriage 84preferably has a handle 100 attached thereto.

The linear motion beam 22 also preferably includes a counter weight 102mounted therein, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9. Using the counterweight 102 with the linear motion beam 22 offsets the weight of the maincarriage 82. Using the counter weight 102 enables the linear motion beamto remain balanced about its rotational axis as the main carriage 82 ismoved on the linear motion beam. The counter weight 102 is preferablyattached to the main carriage 82 with a strong and flexible materialsuch as a KEVLAR belt 104 or a nylon coated cable.

The counter weight 102 includes a main section 106 and a pair of wheels107 mounted on opposite ends of the main sections 106 so that the wheels107 extend above a surface of the main section 106 as illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8. The wheels 107 preferably have a concave outer surface108. The linear motion beam 22 includes two tracks 109 mounted therein.The concave outer surface 108 of the wheels 107 is adapted to at leastpartially receive the track 109 so that the counter weight 102 can rollalong the track. The wheels 107 are preferably fabricated from aurethane material.

The cable 92 is attached to the components of the multi-function weighttraining apparatus 10 through a series of pulleys. The series of pulleyspermit the cable 92 to be easily adjusted when moving the locations ofthe main carriage 82 and the resistance adjusting carriage 84. Inparticular, the series of pulleys includes a first pulley 110 mountedwith respect to the weight carriage 60. The series of pulleys alsoincludes a pair of second pulleys 112 mounted at an upper end of theweight stack support post 62 as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. A pairof third pulleys 114 is mounted on opposite sides of the main post 32. Apair of fourth pulleys 116 is attached to the linear motion beam 22proximate the intersection of the linear motion beam 22 and the mainpost 32. A pair of fifth pulleys 118 is mounted at opposite ends of thelinear motion beam 22.

A first pulley of the pair of the second, third, fourth and fifthpulleys 112, 114, 116, 118 defines a first cable path 120. A secondpulley of the pair of second, third, fourth, and fifth pulleys 112, 114,116, 118 defines a second cable path 112. The first cable path 120 andthe second cable path 122 intersect proximate the first pulley 110.Opposite the first pulley 110, the first cable path 120 terminates atthe resistance adjusting carriage 84. Opposite the first pulley 110, thesecond cable path 122 terminates at a loop 124 that extends between thepair of rollers 88 as illustrated in FIG. 6 a. To prevent the loop 124from passing between the pair of rollers 88, a ball 126 is attached tothe cable 92 proximate the loop 124.

The loop 124 provides a mechanism to removably and operably attach theweight carriage 60 to the main carriage 82 for performing the weighttraining exercises.

To further enhance the variety of weight training exercises that may beperformed using the multi-function weight training apparatus 10 of thepresent invention, the multi-function weight training apparatus 10 mayinclude a post 130 that extends substantially perpendicular from themain carriage 82, as illustrated in FIG. 12. By applying a force to thepost 130 that is substantially aligned along the linear motion beam 22,the main carriage 82 is moved with respect to the linear motion beam 22.Moving the main carriage 82 with respect to the linear motion beam 22thereby causes the weight carriage 60 to be lifted. The post 130 isparticularly suited for use when performing weight training exercisesthat utilize a linear motion such as a bench press.

In an alternative configuration, a lever arm attachment 132 is mountedwith respect to the main carriage 82, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14.The lever arm attachment 132 has a circular portion 134 with a channel139 that extends around an outer surface thereof. As the lever armattachment 132 is rotated with respect to the main carriage 82, thecable 92 at least partially seats in the channel 139. The lever armattachment 132 is particularly suited for use with weight trainingexercises that utilize a rotating motion such as a leg extension.

An arm assembly 136 is rotatably attached to the circular portion 134.The arm assembly 136 has two sections 138, 140 that are oriented at anapproximately perpendicular configuration. The section 140 opposite isengaged when performing the weight training exercise. To enhance thecomfort of performing the weight training exercise, the section 140 ispreferably covered with a foam layer.

A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the type offoam and the thickness of the foam is selected based upon theanticipated weights that are to be lifted with the multi-function weighttraining apparatus 10 to ensure comfort of the person using themulti-function weight training apparatus 10.

The arm assembly 136 includes a least one pin 135 extending therefromthat is adapted to seat in at least one of a series of apertures 137 onthe circular portion 134. Changing the orientation of the arm assembly126 with respect to the circular portion 122 enables the multi-functionweight training apparatus 10 to be configured for performing particularexercises.

To facilitate performing various exercises in an easily repeatableconfiguration, the main carriage 82 preferably has a protractor 150rotatably mounted thereto. As the main carriage 82 is pivoted, theprotractor 150 rotates with respect to the main section by gravity.

In operation, a desired amount of weight plates 58 is placed on theweight carriage. The hand crank wheel 74 is then rotated to turn thelinear motion beam to a desired orientation for performing the weighttraining exercise.

Next, the resistance adjusting carriage 84 is positioned along thesecondary post 86 for the desired weight training exercise. For pushingexercises, the resistance adjusting carriage 84 is moved closer to thelocation where the user will be standing. For pulling exercises, theresistance adjusting carriage 84 is moved away from the location wherethe user will be standing. The post 130 is next attached to the maincarriage 82.

Thereafter, the user urges the post 130 to move along the main section80. This movement causes the loose end of the cable 92 to be pulledthrough the resistance adjusting carriage 84. Pulling of the cable 92causes the weight carriage 60 to be raised to exercise the muscles ofthe person using the weight training apparatus 10. Because the linearmotion beam 22 is aligned along the direction in which the post 130 isbeing moved, the user is able to easily perform the exercise over abroad range of the desired muscle group's range of motion.

When the user desires to perform a different exercise on themulti-function exercise device 10, the orientation of the linear motionbeam 22, the position of the resistance adjusting carriage 84, theweight plates 58 and the post 130 may be readily changed by the user sothat the user can perform exercises that are designed to strengthenanother group of muscles. The multi-function exercise device 10 therebyobviates the need to purchase a number of different exercising devicesfor exercising the various muscles groups on the human body.

It is also possible to configure the multi-function weight trainingapparatus 210 so that the apparatus is only suitable for performingpush-type exercises, as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17. Configuring themulti-function weight training apparatus 210 in this manner reduces thecomplexity of the multi-function weight training apparatus 210 whileretaining the ability of the linear motion beam 222 to rotate withrespect to a support base 220 for performing a variety of push-typeexercises.

Similarly, it is also possible to configure the multi-function weighttraining apparatus 310 so that the apparatus is only suitable forperforming pull-type exercises, as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19.Configuring the multi-function weight training apparatus 310 in thismanner reduces the complexity of the multi-function weight trainingapparatus 310 while retaining the ability of the linear motion beam 322to rotate with respect to a support base 320 for performing a variety ofpull-type exercises.

It is further possible to configure the multi-function weight trainingapparatus for use only with the rotating lever arm 440, as illustratedin FIGS. 20 and 21. Configuring the multi-function weight trainingapparatus 410 in this manner reduces the complexity of themulti-function weight training apparatus 410 while retaining the abilityof the linear motion beam 422 to pivot with respect to a support base420 for performing a variety of rotation-type exercises.

It is further possible to configure the multi-function weight trainingapparatus for use only with a free cable end 524, as illustrated in FIG.22. A handle or other attachment (not shown) is removably attached tothe free cable end depending on the desired exercise. Configuring themulti-function weight training apparatus 510 in this manner reduces thecomplexity of the multi-function weight training apparatus 510 whileretaining the ability of the linear motion beam 522 to pivot withrespect to a support base 520 for performing a variety of exercises.

It is also contemplated that the concepts of the present invention canbe used where the resistance is incorporated within the linear motionbeam. In this configuration, the resistance would preferably be astretchable band, hydraulic fluid or a compressed gas. By incorporatingthe resistance in the linear motion beam, the overall complexity of themulti-function weight training apparatus is reduced while retaining theability to perform a variety of exercises. Such a version of themulti-function weight training apparatus is particularly suited for homeuse.

It is contemplated that features disclosed in this application, as wellas those described in the above applications incorporated by reference,can be mixed and matched to suit particular circumstances. Various othermodifications and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.

1. A method of performing weight training exercises, the methodcomprising: rotating a linear motion beam with respect to a support baseso that the linear motion beam is substantially parallel to a desireddirection of movement for an exercise; positioning an adjustmentcarriage on the linear motion beam to create a starting position of theexercise; and urging a main carriage supported by the linear motion beamto move with respect to the linear motion beam against resistanceprovided by a weight carriage to effect exercising of a user's muscles.2. The method of claim 1, wherein the support base has a bottom sectionand a main post that extends from the bottom section, and wherein thelinear motion beam is attached to the main post opposite the bottomsection.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the linear motion beam has amain section and a secondary post that are oriented substantiallyparallel to each other, and wherein the method further comprises thesteps of: moving the main carriage along the main section; and movingthe adjustment carriage along the secondary post.
 4. The method of claim3, wherein the secondary post has a plurality of apertures formedtherein, and wherein the apertures are adapted to receive a pin on theadjustment carriage for positioning the adjustment carriage at discretelocations on the secondary post.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein theadjustment carriage has at least one pulley operably attached thereto,and wherein the pulley has a concaved outer surface that is adapted toreceive the cable.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the stepof controlling rotation of the linear motion beam with respect to thesupport base.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of controllingrotation is performed by a worm gear drive attached to the linear motionbeam and a hand crank attached to the support base.